Summary
- On November fifth, Qatar Airways Group had a change in leadership as outgoing CEO Al Baker handed over the reins to latest lead Al Meer.
- Al Meer, an engineer with a background in large-scale project development, served because the Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport before taking over this latest role.
- Al Baker, who served because the Group CEO for 27 years, has left a major impact on the organization, and Al Meer will now be leading Qatar Airways Group right into a latest era.
On November fifth, Qatar Airways saw a ‘peaceful transition of power’ from outgoing CEO H.E. Akbar Al Baker to incoming lead Eng. Badr Al Meer. It was on October twenty third that the world unexpectedly learned that al Baker was leaving his position as head of the Qatar Airways Group.
From Qatar’s major airport to Qatar’s major airline (and more)
Now on the helm of the Qatar Airways Group is Eng. Badr Al Meer. For those unfamiliar with the prefix, ‘Eng.’ refers to engineer. Al Meer. Al Meer holds engineering degrees from the American University of Beirut and the University of Colorado. While the airline’s official statement includes this prefix, it shouldn’t be utilized in some parts of the world (particularly when put next to a more common prefix like ‘Dr.’).
Photo: Qatar Airways
Al Meer’s background in engineering has given him a wealth of insight and expertise in large-scale project development. Indeed, the brand new airline group chief comes straight from serving as Chief Operating Officer of Doha’s Hamad International Airport. Interestingly enough, the airport itself is a component of the Qatar Airways Group.
Because the airport’s chief operations officer since 2014, Al Meer has needed to oversee the operations of several divisions, including Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management, Qatar Duty-Free, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Aviation Catering Company, Qatar Distribution Centre, Dhiafatina Hotels, and Qatar Airways Global Real Estate. Unnecessary to say, Al Meer must already be quite conversant in a superb portion of Qatar Airways’ operations.
An airline statement praised its latest CEO for his recent achievements at Hamad International Airport, saying:
“Al Meer has guided Hamad International Airport through many major milestones and unprecedented challenges similar to COVID-19, a ten billion QAR (USD 2.7 billion) expansion project, and the historic FIFA World Cup 2022. He’s on the right track to guide Qatar Airways Group into an exciting latest era.”
Big shoes to fill
Al Meer shall be replacing His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker. It was on October twenty third that the airline announced that Al Baker could be stepping down as Group CEO after 27 years of service. Over this era, Al Baker would have worked closely with Al Meer. Because the leader of the Qatar Airways Group, Al Baker was also chargeable for a variety of divisions, including Qatar Executive, Qatar Airways Holidays, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Duty Free Company, Doha International Airport, Internal Media Services, Qatar Distribution Company, and Qatar Aircraft Catering Company.
Photo: Qatar Airways
Al Meer spoke highly of his predecessor in a press release, saying:
“His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker has left an indelible mark on this organization, having built Qatar Airways from the bottom up into to the world-class airline it’s today – with 241 aircraft, 43,000 employees, and over 160 worldwide destinations. It has been an honor to serve under his guidance, and I pay tribute to him as he heads right into a latest chapter,”
On the time of this text’s publication, it stays unknown what comes next for Al Baker. Many labeled Al Baker’s ‘stepping down’ as ‘retirement.’ While 60 could also be retirement age in some countries, this hasn’t stopped many individuals from continuing to work. Indeed, the CEO of Delta Air Lines, Ed Bastian, is now 66, while Gary Kelly, former CEO of Southwest Airlines, left his position on the carrier at 66.
What do you think that comes next for Al Baker? And the way do you think that Al Meer will differ in leading the Qatar Airways Group in comparison with his predecessor? Tell us by leaving a comment!